BCS Summer Shops & Spots: BCS Books & Comics

Article By: James Francis, Student Intern | BCS Chronicle

What You Need To Know:

• BCS Books and Comics is run by Dagmar Jones in a converted residence at the corner of Inwood and Texas Ave.

• Jones opened the store in 1989 after moving to BCS from Germany with her late husband, Guy.

• Guy passed away in 2002, leaving Dagmar the comic business, which she has run by herself for the past 24 years.

• Jones’ shop is open from Tuesdays through Sundays from 3-6 PM.

The Bryan-College Station area presents an interesting insight into how a city changes along with major population fluctuations. 

BCS exhibits a fundamental change at the same time every year when the student population of 74,000 leaves for the summer months. This prompts an interesting question about how local businesses handle the drastic shifts to stay afloat and what it's like to run a business in BCS. 

Dagmar Jones is the owner of BCS Books & Comics, a local comic store, bookseller, and DVD shop run out of what appears to be a standard residential property on Inwood Drive just off Texas Avenue. 

Jones and her late husband, Guy, opened the store in 1989 after moving to BCS from Germany to further his education with a Master’s Degree from at Texas A&M. The couple acquired the current storefront from the previous owner and transformed it into what it is today. 

“He had always wanted his own comic book store, so we talked about it and decided to go into that business,” Jones said.

When Guy passed away in 2002, Jones decided to keep her husband’s dream alive, operating the business herself for the past 24 years. 

“There have been ups and downs over the years, but in general, it’s the people that make the business,” Jones said.

“You meet all kinds of people. I’m kind of like a barber; I have conversations about all kinds of things. It’s something to keep me going, it’s never boring.”   

In addition to being the primary comic store in the area, BCS Books & Comics has a unique identity because of the shop’s unique appearance

“People tell me it’s more homely, it gives you a different feel.”

Along with the positive aspects of her shop’s unique appearance, Jones also mentioned how she has dealt with complaints about the older appearance of the store.

“When you open a book, you have no idea what the book is about. You have not even gone into the store to see what it looks like on the inside. So how can you make a comment like that?” 

As a longtime resident of College Station, Jones has routinely taken preparations for when the summer months come around, and the student population dips away.

“For comics, you order less. You know that you will sell less, so you have to adjust to that.” 

As an experienced owner, Jones advises caution for anyone interested in opening a new business in the BCS area stressing the importance of making sure you can actually make returns before committing to opening a small business. 

“There are so many things involved in it. Paying taxes, paying rent, paying employees, paying for your product before you even get it.”

Jones finished the conversation emphasizing how times are always changing, and it’s important to recognize common consumer habits so you can make sure a business project is really worth your time, effort, and monetary investment. 

Jones’ shop is open from Tuesdays through Sundays from 3-6 PM. With new comics in stock every Wednesday, there’s always something new to discover and friendly interactions to be had at BCS Books & Comics..